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Science
Friday > Archives
> 1998
> November
> November 20, 1998:
Hour One: Dinosaur Update
| Last week, a group of paleontologists announced the discovery of a new species of dinosaur found in the Tenere Desert of central Niger, Suchomimus tenerensis.
According to the scientists, led by Paul Sereno of the University of Chicago, the new species is a member of a group of dinosaurs called spinosaurids, which include the more familiar carnivores Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor. Suchomimus is estimated to have played the role of the dominant African predator about 100 million years ago.
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A painting of Suchomimus tenerensis, the spinosaurid that Paul Sereno and his team found in a remote area of the Sahara.
(Painting by Michael Skrepnick © 1998 National Geographic Society)
The excavated remains were highlighted by twelve-inch hook-shaped claws, a narrow crocodile-like skull, and about 100 cone-shaped teeth, to grasp and hold its prey. The scientists reported in the journal Science that although the beast most likely preferred fish, it would probably eat anything. The discovery has shed new light on the geographical distribution and evolution of the spinosaurids. | 
Dinosaur eggs in situ as discovered at Auca Maheuvo, Argentina by a joint American Museum of Natural History/Museo Municipal Carmen Funes expedition.
Copyright American Museum of Natural History.
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In more dinosaur news, scientists announced this week in the journal Nature the first discovery of large dinosaur embryo bone and skin fossils, at a massive nesting site in Argentina. The eggs, estimated to be between 70 and 90 million years old, are those of sauropods, a class of plant eaters that include the largest creatures ever found on earth.
The fossils were found inside six-inch egg shells and have provided scientists with clues about sauropod development, reproduction, behavior and geographical distribution. Further analysis of the findings may yield information about how fast the dinosaurs grew.
Also this week, on Friday, November 20th, a milestone in space exploration is reached as sixteen nations join together to begin a five year construction project 220 miles above the surface of the planet: the launch of International Space Station is under way.
Join Ira Flatow this hour of Science Friday for a look at the latest dinosaur discoveries. Plus, another giant step: Zarya, the Functional Cargo Block module of the International Space Station, goes into orbit.
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Guests:
Paul Sereno
Professor of Paleontology
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Luis Chiappe
Research Associate
American Museum of Natural History
New York, NY
Richard Harris
Science Correspondent
National Public Radio
Washington, DC
Books/Articles Discussed:
"Dinosaur Embryos", Luis Chiappe, National Geographic, December 1998.
"A Long-Snouted Predatory Dinosaur from Africa and the Evolution of Spinosaurids," Paul C.Sereno et al., Science, November 13, 1998.
"Sauropod Dinosaur Embryos from the Late Cretaceous of Patagonia," Luis M. Chiappe et al., Nature, November 19, 1998.
Related Links:
The American Museum of Natural History
National Geographic
Nature
Science
The Paleontological Society
Paleonet
Paleontologia Electronica
NASA's International Space Station Site
This segment produced by:
Karin Vergoth
Web producer/Writer:
Christopher Morrison
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